TM

HOn3 Product Catalog 2011

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About Blackstone ModelsThe Blackstone Models brand was created in 2004 as a division of SoundTraxx. Our goal is simple – design and manufacture models that look incredible and run flawlessly. As fans of the narrow gauge, it was a natural choice to begin with prototypes that we knew and loved. Blackstone Models strives to push the technology, exhaust every avenue for information, and research how our models are used in order to provide products that exceed expectations and give our customers the most value for their dollar. We have a full-time professional staff that work tirelessly to

create detailed drawings and specifications so that our production team can build the beautiful models you see in the pages of this catalog.

Miniature Versions of the PrototypeOnce a decision has been made to produce a particular model, we begin the research phase. This involves exhaustive study of the prototype through first-hand measurements, historical photos and

railroad blueprints. This allows us to create accurate dimensional drawings in 3D, including any variations that may exist between road numbers or eras. As part of this research, photos, drawings, and in some cases movies, are used to establish the correct decoration, which encompasses lettering, heralds, and paint schemes for each model.

Designing for OperationEven a great-looking model isn’t much fun if it doesn’t perform well and operation is the word-of-the-day when creating any model.

Our rolling stock feature our famous, free-rolling trucks and are carefully weighted for smooth operation. Like our locomotives, all rolling stock is ready-to-run, with detail parts and couplers onboard and ready to cut into your waiting train.

Our engineers design our locomotives for operational reliability – they will provide hundreds of hours of operation, capable of running at slow speeds and without the need for overly large radii. The engines pick up track power using all drivers and tender wheels to provide smooth running over even the most finicky switches without stalling or derailing. Running HOn3 trains is fun again!

Introduction

A thoughtful combination of die-cast and plastic construction when engineering our locomotives provides excellent detail, while furnishing the additional weight needed in the necessary places for reliable operation and superior pulling power. Golden-white LEDs provide hours of maintenance-free illumination. These models will be your best runners!

The Sound SystemThe Blackstone Models locomotives are available with custom SoundTraxx® Tsunami® Digital Sound Decoders. Tsunami is a high performance sound system for today’s savvy model railroader providing the benefits of today’s Digital Command Control (DCC) technology with the addition of high quality, digital onboard sound.

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Below: Blackstone Models K-27 Locomotive No. 464 on a diorama created by Rick Newton.

Waves of pure 16-bit digital sound will delight your senses, with effects so amazing you won’t believe your ears! This sound system can produce as many as 24 sound effects, including the bell, whistle, airpump, dynamo, snifter valve, injectors, firebox blower, side rod clank, brake squeal, exhaust chuff and more, all recorded from the prototype.

Each Blackstone Models locomotive has a custom sound system designed for it, so that all your models will not only sound prototypically correct, but they will all have their own unique ‘voice’. Each sound system is pre-programmed and ready to run without any adjustments, but with the help of Tsunami’s Sound Mixer you are able to customize the sound levels of every effect to your personal taste. Tweak them to suit your needs and then select your favorite whistle from the eight authentic narrow gauge whistles built in.

The sound of the steam exhaust keeps a steady beat, aided by advanced electronics, which precisely deliver 4 chuffs per revolution at any speed. The Dynamic Digital Exhaust™ feature adjusts the timbre and volume of the chuff in response to changes in the locomotive load!

More than a sound system, Tsunami includes SoundTraxx’ Hyperdrive™ technology, which further refines the already smooth and precise locomotive operation.

In addition to supplying a luminous glow to the headlight and backup lights, the Dyno-Light effect mimics the effect of the gradual increase in lamp brightness as the generator spools up and provides power to the headlight. While Tsunami is first and foremost a premium DCC sound decoder, it is also capable of operating on a DC, or ‘analog’ layout. This means you can take your locomotive to visit a layout running with a conventional powerpack. Show off your favorite models anywhere you travel!

C-19 Compressors K-27 Boiler Details

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C-19 Locomotives

C-19 2-8-0 Consolidation Brief HistoryIn the summer of 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande placed an order for twelve new class 70 consolidations to be used over the expanding narrow gauge. These new 2-8-0s were essentially “beefed up” versions of an earlier design and weighed in at approximately 70,000 lbs. The new engines sported a slightly larger boiler and cylinder casting when compared to their smaller cousins.

The D&RG re-organized as the Denver and Rio Grande Western in 1921. In 1924, the ten remaining Class 70 engines from the 1881 purchase became numbers 340-349. During this motive power reclassifying effort, they were also given the new power designation of C-19 - ‘C’ for Consolidation and ‘19’ for approximately 19,000 lbs. of tractive effort.

Blackstone Models is pleased to introduce the C-19 Consolidation, faithfully reproduced in HOn3 scale featuring die-cast construction and individual detail parts. Each C-19 is equipped with engine-specific cabs, pilots and tenders depending on the most common practice of the prototype.

Design and ConstructionThe C-19 has been designed to comfortably navigate on layouts with a minimum turning radius of 18”. Our engineers have designed this exceptional locomotive to operate smoothly at slow speeds without stalling or derailing. Reliable power pickup, achieved with all-wheel electrical pickup is key to its amazing running ability.

The engine has been manufactured from primarily die-cast metal, placing most of the weight in the front of the locomotive, while the lighter tender is constructed of a mixture of materials. This balance provides the best possible pulling power for this model. All lights use golden-white LEDs, providing the warm glow that predates today’s harsh, modern lamps. Detail parts are fashioned from a combination of wire and a high strength, thermoplastic engineering resin, for the best and most accurate reproduction.

Amazing Details!There are 9 different variations,

each with their own unique look. Each model features unique details such as handrail locations, number boards, cabs, tender detail, headlights, ladders, stacks and more. Each version

has over 100 hand-placed detail parts!

Couplers are already in place, both front and rear, so these locomotives are ready to take their place on your railroad from the moment you take them home!

Historically Accurate LetteringFrom the beginning, our staff has researched the heralds, fonts and paint schemes as they vary from one version to another as was appropriate for the era. Our herald artwork and lettering is created from remaining prototypes, photos, drawings and blueprints, to provide the most accurate reproduction possible.

B310

200,

D&

RGW

No.

343

B310

201,

D&

RGW

No.

345

B310

202,

D&

RGW

No.

346

B310

203,

D&

RGW

No.

347

B310

204,

D&

RGW

No.

347

B310

205,

RG

S N

o. 4

0

B310

206,

Unl

ette

red

B310

207,

Unl

ette

red

B310

208,

D&

RG N

o. 3

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C-19 Features Cross-Reference

Royal Gorge Route Herald � � � �

Flying Grande Herald �

RGS ”40” on Tender �

Movie Style “Bumblebee” �

Green Boiler � �

Black Boiler � � � � � �

Short Flared Side Tender � � � � � �

Long Flared Side Tender � � �

Fluted Style Sand Dome � � � � � � � �

Fluted Style Steam Dome � � � � �

Semi Fluted Steam Dome � �

Round Style Sand Dome �

Round Style Steam Dome � �

Road Pilot � � � � � � � �

Switcher Pilot and Footboards �

Pyle Headlight � � � �

Box Style Headlight � � � � �

Box Style Rear Light �

Pyle Style Rear Light �

Wood Paneled Cab � � � � � �

Steel Sheathed Cab � � �

11- Inch Compressor/s � � � �

9 1/2- Inch Compressors � � � � �

ES Pyle National Dynamo � � � � �

K2 Pyle National Dynamo � � � �

When Ordering: Add -S to end of Part Number to order locomotives with Tsunami digital sound. Add W to end of Part Number to order weathered locomotives. Add W-S to end of Part Number to order weathered locomotives with Tsunami digital sound.

(Note: Unlettered and “Bumblebee” schemes do not have a weathered option. See current price list for ordering information.)

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C-19, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 343 Denver & Rio Grande Western Number 343 features a

larger ‘ES’ dynamo, road pilot, Pyle visor headlight, fluted domes, steel cab sides, tender backup light and two 9-1/2 inch single-stage compressors. It carries the Royal Gorge Route herald on its long, flared-side tender.

C-19, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 345 Often referred to as the ‘Durango Switcher’, this later

era version of the Number 345 is decorated with the well-known Denver & Rio Grande Western

Flying Grande herald. It takes to the rails with a switcher pilot, wood panel cab sides, Pyle visor headlight, two 11-inch single-stage compressors, a ‘K2’ Pyle dynamo and fluted domes. The short, flared-side tender is accompanied by a Pyle-style tender light.

C-19, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 346 Number 346 is decorated with the Royal Gorge Route

herald and sports a road pilot, fluted domes and a larger ‘ES’ style dynamo. Wood panel cab sides, a Pyle head-light, two 9-1/2 inch single-stage compressors, and the longer flared-side tender round out the features of this consolidation.

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C-19, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 347 Denver & Rio Grande Western Number 347 shows its

colors with a green boiler jacket and Royal Gorge Route herald decorated in Aluminum Bronze paint on its short flared-side tender. This version of the 347 proudly wears a box-style headlight, fluted sand dome, a road pilot, and a larger ‘ES’ dynamo. Two 9-1/2 inch single-stage compressors and a ‘semi-fluted’ steam dome make this C-19 stand out in a crowd.

C-19 Locomotives

C-19, Rio Grande Southern No. 40 With its ‘miss-match’ of dome styles (fluted sand dome

and round steam dome), a unique version of the box-style headlight and the over-large number ‘40’ emblazoned on the tender sides, the RGS Number 40 is a completely different C-19. With its simple ‘R.G.S.’ painted on its steel cab sides, shorter tender and a single 11-inch single-stage compressor, this

well-known little engine has a uniquely ‘chunky’ look about it. It comes with a road pilot and a right side main reservoir air tank.

C-19, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 347 For those who favor a more traditional decoration style,

this version of the Number 347 features a paint scheme defined by its black boiler jacket and white lettering. This handsome consolidation is equipped with a road pilot, box-style headlight, early ‘ES’ dynamo, and a fluted sand dome. The black-boiler version of the Number 347 includes two 9-1/2 inch single-stage compressors, a ‘semi-fluted’ steam dome and is lettered and decorated with the Royal Gorge Route herald.

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C-19, Painted, Unlettered, Green BoilerFor those who wish to create their own special consolidation, this undecorated version of the C-19 still comes full of the details you need and expect. Fluted domes, a box-style electric headlight, road pilot, two 9-1/2 inch single-stage compressors and wood panel cab sides, make this unlettered C-19, with its graphite smokebox and green boiler jacket extremely free-lance friendly.

C-19, ‘Movie Theme’, Number 345If you like a little pizzazz, our Number 345 with a ’Bumblebee’-style paint scheme is the ticket. Pure fun, this version of the C-19 reflects the paint scheme as it was featured briefly in the movie “Denver and Rio Grande”. This ‘stunt’ engine took the popular black and yellow paint scheme and added a few twists of its own. In addition to its unique decoration, the Movie Theme version of this 2-8-0 features fluted domes, box-style electric headlight, flared-side tender and a diamond stack. Not to worry, for those who prefer a more traditional look, an easy-to-replace straight stack is included.

C-19, Painted, Unlettered, Black BoilerFor the free-lancer who favors a more traditional look, the undecorated black boiler version of this consolidation comes with round domes, Pyle headlight and dynamo, road pilot, two 11-inch single-stage compressors and steel sheathed cab sides.

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K-27 Locomotives

B310

101-

S, N

o. 4

52

B310

102-

S, N

o. 4

53 B3

1010

5-S,

No.

462

B310

106-

S, N

o. 4

63

B310

107-

S, N

o. 4

64

B310

123-

S, N

o. 4

58

K-27 Features Cross-Reference

Outboard Piston Valve Version � � � � �Inboard Piston Valve Version �

Flying Grande Herald � � � �

Mo�at Tunnel Herald �

Royal Gorge Route Herald �

Green Boiler �

Road Pilot � � � �

Switcher Pilot �

Snowplow �

Round-cornered Tender � � � �

Square-cornered Tender � �

Tender Backup Light � � � �

Doghouse �(Note: All current production K-27s come equipped with Tsunami Digital Sound. See current price list for ordering information.)Below: Blackstone Models K-27 No. 453 on Mike May’s diorama.

K-27 2-8-2 Mikado

Brief HistoryIn 1903, the Denver & Rio Grande took delivery of fifteen 2-8-2 narrow gauge locomotives (numbers 450 to 464) built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Although originally equipped with Vauclain compound cylinders, by 1929 eleven of these engines, now classified as K-27s, had been upgraded with modern piston valve cylinders.

Blackstone Models is pleased to introduce the K-27 in the modern piston valve configuration, faithfully reproduced in HOn3 scale featuring die-cast construction and individual detail parts. Available in both inboard and outboard piston valve versions, each K-27 is equipped with engine-specific cabs, pilots and tenders depending on the most common practice of the prototype. All current-production K-27 Mikados come with a custom Tsunami sound system.

Design and ConstructionThe K-27 boasts exceptional slow speed operation and a minimum operating radius of 18”. Track power is picked up by all drivers and tender wheels, providing smooth running over even the most finicky switches.

Die-cast construction of both the engine and tender provides excellent detail, while furnishing the additional weight needed for reliable operation and superior pulling power. Golden-white LEDs will operate for hundreds of hours without needing replacement and provide the most realistic lighting available.

Amazing Details!Exhaustive research of the prototype through first-hand measurements, historical photos and railroad blueprints has resulted in one of the finest and most accurate K-27 models ever built.

There are 6 different variations, each with their own unique details. Handrail location, number boards, cabs, tenders, headlights, ladders, and more are all specific to the model represented. There are over 100 hand-placed detail parts.

We’ve installed couplers front and rear, so these locomotives are ready for their switching assignments!

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K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 452 Number 452 is an outboard piston valve model that

includes such details as a road pilot, large tender backup light, and the famous ‘Flying Grande’ herald on its tender.

K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 453 Number 453 is an outboard piston valve model that

stands out as the ‘Durango Switcher’, complete with doghouse. Added features include a switcher pilot, tender backup light, and square-cornered tender. It is decorated with the Flying Grande herald.

K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 462 This outboard piston valve Denver & Rio Grande

Western Number 462 carries the Royal Gorge Route herald painted with ‘aluminum-bronze’ paint, black trim and an attractive green boiler jacket. It also comes with a road pilot and round-cornered tender.

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K-27 Locomotives

K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 458 The No. 458 is an inboard piston valve version with a

road pilot and the Moffat Tunnel herald. It features a unique round number plate and a round-cornered tender.

K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 464 The other surviving K-27, the Number 464 comes ready

to work a rough winter. This outboard piston valve engine was commonly seen with its snowplow and has a small tender backup light and square-cornered tender.

K-27, Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 463 The Number 463 is one of two K-27’s still in operation

today and features the classic Flying Grande herald. This locomotive is an outboard piston valve configuration and comes equipped with a road pilot and tender backup light.

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We’ve pushed the bar on the accuracy of our paint and livery as well. We have painstakingly researched heralds, numbers, and paint schemes to ensure that our models will live up to the high standards that our customers expect. Most of our cars are offered in both a lightly weathered treatment or in a pristine ‘freshly shopped’ appearance. We are the first to offer cars painted in varying shades to reflect the effect of sun on the color and sheen of the paint. Our graphics are accurate, crisp and clear.

Rolling StockBlackstone Models HOn3 rolling stock have been designed for operation! While each model is designed and manufactured to accurately represent the prototype, we also engineer them to roll smoothly and be truly take-out-of-the-box and ready-to-run.

Design and ConstructionAll of Blackstone Models rolling stock have been constructed with a die-cast chassis and free-rolling trucks with blackened metal wheels. Grab irons are individually placed along with an assortment of detail parts to complete each car. They come with factory-mounted Kadee couplers, so all you need to do is pull it out of the box and go!

Amazing Details!We returned to D&RGW standard specifications and the remaining prototypes wherever possible to achieve a superbly detailed and accurate model. Appearance features such as accurately placed and scaled hardware, underbody detailing, and fine nut and bolt applications place our freight and passenger cars in an exclusive class of their own.

Rolling Stock

Freshly Shopped

Flying Grande Herald, Moffat Tunnel Herald, and Royal Gorge Route Herald

Lightly Sun Faded

Heavier Sun Fade

Weathered

Stock Car Non-Weathered

Stock Car Weathered

Below: Blackstone Models K-27 No. 453 with Stock Cars on Jeff Johnson’s layout.

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3000 Series Boxcars

Below: Blackstone Models Boxcar No. 3446 and Economy Door Boxcar No. 3083 on Jim Overman’s layout.

3000 Series Boxcar

Brief HistoryIn 1904, the Denver & Rio Grande received 750 boxcars from the St. Louis-based American Car & Foundry. They were assigned road numbers 3000 to 3749. By 1924, the 3000 series fleet was in dire need of replacement or repair. Now re-named as the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the company replaced much of the wood while the hardware and trucks were re-used to construct relatively new cars. As rebuilt, the boxcars were equipped with sheet metal Murphy roofs while the side and end doors of most were upgraded with Camel hardware.

Blackstone Models 3000 Series BoxcarThe Blackstone Models 3000 Series Boxcar sits firmly in an exclusive class of its own. Movable doors, in addition to all the detail and design that goes into every piece of rolling stock, provide a level of authenticity not found in most ready-to-run boxcars.

The 3000 Series Boxcars are available both weathered and non-weathered. In addition to the freshly shopped cars of Boxcar Red, Blackstone Models offers many road numbers painted in varied hues of this base color, emulating the look of these well-used cars after varying years spent sitting in the elements.

The 3000 Series Boxcars are offered in three different heralds – the Flying Grande herald, as well as lesser-known Moffat Tunnel and Royal Gorge Route heralds.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

3000 Series Economy Door Boxcar

Brief HistoryThe Economy Door boxcars, or ‘plain door’ boxcars as they were sometimes called, were created in the early 20s by replacing the original doors on some of the 3000 Series Boxcars with a relatively sparse door, hasp, and door guide design compared to that of the typical Camel hardware equipped models. Some of the hardware used on these cars was an alternative style made by the Camel Company with “security” cast into certain parts. By the late 1960s, approximately 20 percent of the surviving 3000 series boxcars were identified as being of the economy door design.

Blackstone Models Economy Door BoxcarThe Blackstone Models 3000 Series Economy Door Boxcar is offered both weathered and non-weathered in a variety of road numbers, paint variations and heralds.

This ‘Economy Door’ design was also used in the creation of our special, Limited Edition Boxcar No. 3219. This car has all the same features with the exception of its unique paint scheme. Replicating this car as it was painted in 1964 to compliment the passenger car fleet making their daily run to Silverton, the car is decorated in Grande Gold. The roof and brake wheel are painted silver. The lettering and its Flying Grande herald are painted black, as is the underbody and archbar trucks.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Economy Door Boxcars

Right: All Blackstone Models Boxcars and Stock Cars come with movable doors!

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5500 Series Stock Cars

5500 Series Stock Car

Brief HistoryThe classic stock car (or ‘cattle car’) was once a mainstay of American railroads in the era of livestock rail transportation. In 1903, the D&RG ordered 350 new stock cars from American Car & Foundry numbered 5500 to 5849. Arriving by the spring of 1904, these thirty-foot 25-ton capacity cars became the mainstay of the D&RG livestock cars. In 1926, the 5500 series cars were extensively rebuilt by the new Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad with much of the wood being replaced and slightly redesigned to reflect updated specifications.

Blackstone Models 5500 Series Stock CarWe are pleased to offer the HOn3 version of the D&RGW 5500 Series Stock Car, factory painted, and ready to run. This version represents the single deck style of the cars after the 1926 rebuild.

Two styles of 5500 Series stock car are represented. The ‘simpler’ early design was the predominant look after the rebuild, and lacks the familiar herald and 3 lettering boards that are typically found on the later style.

The later style is adorned with the Denver & Rio Grande’s Flying Grande herald. Each car also carries 3 additional lettering boards as is found on the prototype. These boards are printed with ‘D&RGW’, the road number, and the Flying Grande herald.

Newly shopped cars are painted a gloss black, while some road numbers feature a matte black paint, representing the slight fading that occurs from a few years of exposure to heat and sunlight. All 5500 Series stock cars are available weathered or non-weathered.

Along with all of the features that Blackstone Models builds into every piece of rolling stock, both doors on all versions of the stock car are repositionable. Please see the current price list for ordering information.

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Double-Deck Stock Cars

5500 Series Double-Deck Stock Car

Brief HistoryThe 5500 Series Stock Cars were used all over the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad for transporting cattle from the stockyards around the southwestern part of the country. During the rebuilding of 1926, many of them were modified with a middle deck on the inside to accommodate larger loadings of sheep and other small livestock. This enabled the railroad to nearly double the capacity of the car. A “D” after the car number usually, though not always, signified the change to the Double-Deck or ‘sheep car’ style.

Blackstone Models Double-Deck Stock CarThe Blackstone Models HOn3 version of the D&RGW 5500 Series Double-Deck Stock Car is factory painted and ready to run. Newly shopped cars are painted a gloss black, while certain road numbers feature a matte black paint representing the slight fading from a few years of exposure to the elements. All 5500 Series Double-Deck Stock Cars are offered in a weathered and non-weathered paint scheme. For the freelancer, our Double-Deck Stock Car is available painted, but unlettered.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Below: Blackstone Models 5500 Series Stock Car No. 5678 sits on Peter Gloor’s layout.

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Flat Cars

6000 Series Flatcar

Brief HistoryOf all cars in the rolling stock fleet of the Colorado narrow gauge, flatcars were probably the most versatile, and most abused. Their many uses stemmed from the relative lack of restrictions for the kinds of loads they could handle. Ranging from lumber to farm and industrial equipment, many diverse lading combinations were possible. If a customer’s goods were not fit for boxcar loading, a flatcar would probably do the job.

In addition to traditional revenue service use, flatcars were often put to alternate uses by rebuilding them into gondolas, various tank cars, idler flats, and an array of company work equipment. While this frequent adaptation of gondolas and flatcars generally took place prior to the 1890s, the 6000 series flatcars came along during a time when the D&RG Railway was initiating a small replenishment of an aging flatcar fleet. The 6000 series flatcars saw their own varied service uses throughout their checkered careers. By March of 1926, several of the remaining 6000 series cars were rebuilt by replacing the side bearings and reinforcing the body bolsters.

Blackstone Models 6000 Series FlatcarThe Blackstone Models 6000 Series Flatcar is offered in a weathered style, with a unique, wood-grain treatment on the decking. It is offered in various shades of boxcar red, reflecting the changes due to exposure to the elements.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Left: All 6000 Series Flatcars have an enhanced decking, simulating the wood grain of the deck.

Below: Blackstone Models Flat Car No. 6023 on Jeff Johnson’s layout.

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High-Side Gondolas

1000 Series High-Side Gondola

Brief HistoryBetween 1898 and 1906, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad purchased approximately 1300 new narrow gauge gondolas from American Car & Foundry for use on its extensive three-foot gauge system in Colorado. After two decades of hard service on the Colorado narrow gauge lines, these various gondolas were rebuilt in the 1920’s.

In addition to coal, these cars often handled limestone, precious minerals, pipe, maintenance equipment, and an array of other commodities as the needs of the railroad evolved. The rotary dump in Salida, Colorado, while efficient, was hard on the top sideboards and stakes of the high-side gondolas. This resulted in the railroad’s periodic replacement of these boards and stakes and the addition of stake splices. The splices were added in order to alleviate the chore of replacing entire stakes each time the top of the stake was damaged. Due to this process the side stake and splice appearance of the high side gondolas changed regularly through the years.

Blackstone Models 1000 Series High-Side Gondola Blackstone Models has produced the 1000 Series High Side Gondola design to represent many of the cars after the 1920s era rebuild. The versions replicated in these models were equipped with the cast Cardwell ‘economy’ draft gear. Side stakes are hand-applied and represent various splice patterns to match the prototype cars. Interior bracing detail and varying floorboard heights to match the prototype cars round out the extreme attention to detail represented in this model. Our gondolas are offered with varying paint shades, unique detailing, and optional weathering so that you may build a diverse fleet. The Blackstone Models 1000 Series High-Side Gondolas are available in three different herald designs and liveries to match the cars appearance from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Right: Interior bracing contributes to the overall accuracy of the Blackstone Models High Side-Gondola.

Below: Blackstone Models K-27 No. 464 hauls High-Side Gondolas on Bill Beverly’s layout.

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800 Series Drop Bottom Gondola

Brief HistoryThe National Car Company built the drop bottom gondolas for the Denver and Rio Grande Western 3-foot gauge system in 1904. The 100 cars in the 800 - 899 series had a dump door mechanism, but were equipped with tall racks designed for loading processed bituminous coal known as ‘coke’. The cars sported a slightly longer and wider body than many of the 30-foot freight cars of the era. The drop bottom door provided a timesaving unloading method compared to the usual, labor-intensive procedure. Horizontal operating rods were placed on each side of the car and four dump levers with a ratchet and pawl were placed on the ends of these rods. Chains running from each of the twelve lower dump doors rolled up over the operating rods when the doors were in the closed position. To open the doors, the lever would be rotated to a position that would release the ratchet teeth on the pawl, and the doors would dump the car loading on the ground or into storage bins in coal facilities. Blackstone Models 800 Series Drop Bottom Gondola This unique car includes the unique underbody detail that has often been difficult to model by hand. The drop bottom gondolas are available in three different herald designs and liveries to match the cars’ appearance from the 1920s to the 1960s. The gondolas are offered in varying shades of paint, both weathered and non-weathered to reflect the degrees of bleaching that occurs after years sitting in the sun, and the dust and dirt that was usually present.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Drop Bottom Gondolas

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UTLX Narrow Frame and Frameless Tank Cars

Brief HistoryThe narrow frame UTLX cars were built in the 1920s by using old standard gauge tank cars and mounting the tanks on steel channel framework. These cars were equipped with 4’ 8” arch bar trucks.

The UTLX frameless tank cars are well known as the “GRAMPS” cars. Originally built from former standard gauge cars in the late 1930s, many of this class had the prominent silver letters emblazoned across the sides of the tank cars beginning in 1939 while transporting crude oil from Chama, New Mexico to the Alamosa, Colorado refinery.

Blackstone Models Tank CarsWe have used a combination of plastic and die-cast parts to create a thoughtfully weighted and balanced car that runs smoothly and will cut into virtually any consist. These tank cars represent the narrow frame and frameless UTLX cars that traversed the Denver and Rio Grande Western and Rio Grande Southern Railroad’s track throughout Colorado from the 1920s and into the 1960s. We are pleased to offer the HOn3 adaptation of these very important tank cars, factory painted and ready to run. Using standard specifications and the remaining prototypes, we created a detailed and accurate tank car that will please even the most discriminating modeler.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Tank Cars

Below: Blackstone Models K-27 No. 458 pulling Narrow Frame and Frameless Tank Cars on Jim Granflaten’s layout.

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Jackson and Sharp Open Platform Passenger Coaches

Brief HistoryFrom 1880 to 1882, the Denver & Rio Grande Railway ordered approximately 60 narrow gauge coaches that would become the quintessential open platform style of car used on the Colorado 3-foot gauge line well into the 1950s. Typical of D&RGW equipment, the coaches went through various transformations in the early years. By the early 1900s, many of the cars had been converted from the old “duckbill” style roofs to the “bullnose” style that was more prevalent in later years. In the 1920s, the cars were lowered and reinforced to accommodate safety concerns. By the 1930s, the majority of cars had been re-built with double pane windows. A handful of the coaches survived on the D&RGW into the 1960s for use on the Silverton Branch.

Blackstone Models Open Platform Passenger CoachWe offer individual coaches in six road numbers and a painted, unlettered version in Pullman Green paint. The Pullman Green paint scheme that was typical of the 1920s through the mid 1950s era includes yellow car-body lettering and a black roof with Pullman Green passenger coach trucks. Designed to replicate the Jackson & Sharp coach that traversed the rails in the southwest, these fabulous coaches include an amazing array of details inside and out!

Passenger Coaches

Below: Blackstone Models Pullman Green Passenger Coaches on Jim Granflaten’s layout.

Above: Blackstone Models Custom Passenger Coach Lighting Decoder installed in a Jackson and Sharp Coach.

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In addition to the accurate paint and livery, underbody detail, and characteristic “bullnose” roof, we’ve incorporated details such as

lamp vents, restrooms, roof conduit, stove, coal bin, water cooler, and painted interior seating with Buntin seat frames! Door headers have either arched or square ends, depending on the version, and we’ve included the “Chili Line” Bay Windows as a separate detail part that can be added to the appropriate versions. All colors are available in their freshly painted liveries.

Our custom-designed passenger car trucks are packaged with electrical pickup wipers, so the industrious modeler can incorporate interior lighting if desired. Purchase our custom interior Lighting Decoder for a quick easy-fit solution! This decoder offers flicker-free operation in both DC and DCC, with an onboard charging circuit to keep your car lit after the train has stopped. With your DCC system, turn lights on or off and adjust the brightness to suit your taste.

Special Limited Edition “Silverton” 3-Pack!A little color goes a long way and we are offering a trio of coaches in the original 1950s “Painted Train” Rio Grande Gold scheme. These are painted with double striping, silver roof, and an unusual splash of bright silver on the trucks and hardware. A similar paint scheme adorns today’s Silverton train in Durango, Colorado.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

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Long Caboose

Brief HistoryBetween 1912 and 1923, the D&RGW rebuilt five worn out short cabooses in order to maintain a small fleet of durable and up-to-date cars. Eventually consisting of road numbers 0503, 0505, 0517, 0540, and 0574, these “rebuilds” were more or less new cars that utilized much of the hardware of their old forerunners. Favored by railroad crews, the car bodies were 25 feet in length and sported wider end platforms than the earlier long bodies. Featuring a more traditional “round” roof style, these cabooses were based out of terminals all over the D&RGW narrow gauge system up to the end of operations.

These little “hacks” were essentially the office, living room, kitchen, bedroom, and sometimes game room for the hearty working men that chose to spend their life toiling on the rails from the late 19th Century and well into the 1960s.

Unique DetailsThe long cabooses shared major dimensions that were essentially identical, however, the span of 11 years between their construction yielded some differences in the details.

Blackstone Models has incorporated these differences into the various road numbers for the most accurate reproduction possible. The Number 0503, for example, reflects its uniqueness with angled footsteps, larger cupola end windows, and individual awnings for the cupola side windows. We’ve reversed the “A” and “B” ends, essentially turning the chassis 180 degrees and locating the longer end of the caboose opposite from all the others. You will find molded detail variations in all of the road numbers as we have endeavored to bring you a model that is strikingly faithful to the prototypes. Other variations in these long cabooses include distinctions in ladder dimensions, window moldings, awnings, cupola grab irons, and the 1950s addition of ladder extensions. We have included a special collection of additional parts for you to add to your caboose depending on your desire to recreate specific appearances in varying eras.

Caboose

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Design and ConstructionLike all of our rolling stock, the Long Caboose is equipped with smooth-running trucks and full underbody detail. The wheels are insulated, with electrical pickups on both trucks to facilitate the addition of lighting circuitry. Our Caboose Lighting Decoder is intended to take advantage of this design and make illuminating the interior of your Caboose a snap. This decoder will operate with either DC or DCC and supply reliable power to the LEDs. Control the lights and adjust the LED brightness with your DCC system! An onboard power supply keeps the crummy lit even after the train has stopped.

Blackstone Models is proud to offer twelve unique versions of our long caboose representing two distinct eras. Our detailed liveries accurately capture the lettering as it was seen on these cars throughout the years. In addition to the five road numbers available in two different era schemes, we offer a painted and unlettered version for adapting this handsome car to your own special pike! For fans of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a limited edition Number 0540 has been produced. This caboose will add a little color and bring some present-day memories to your historical railroad reproduction.

Please see the current price list for ordering information.

Above: Blackstone Models Long Caboose No. 0503 wired with custom animation and lighting by Laurie McLean

Left: Blackstone Models K-27 Locomotive and Long Caboose on Rich Mossholder’s layout. Photo taken by Steve Hatch.

Accessories

TrucksUpgrade your fleet with free-rolling Arch Bar Freight Car Trucks, Passenger Car Trucks, and Caboose Trucks.

Doghouse Officially known as the Brakeman’s Cabin, this structure will mount on your tender tank and protect your trainman from inclement weather.

Snowplow Add this classic plow to any Blackstone Models K-27.

Specifications effective January 1, 2011 and are subject to change without notice. Product photography by Michael Ripley. SoundTraxx, Tsunami, Digital Sound Decoder and Dynamic Digital Exhaust are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp. and SoundTraxx. Blackstone Models is a licensee of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. Trademarks used by agreement.

Sound DecodersAdd one of these SoundTraxx digital sound decoders to your locomotive for great sound in either DC or DCC! Easy, no-solder installation!

TM

A Division of SoundTraxx210 Rock Point Drive Durango, Colorado 81301 U.S.A. • Phone: (970) 259-0690 • Fax: (970) 259-0691 • www.blackstonemodels.com

Below: Blackstone Models freight: C-19 No. 343 hauling rolling stock customized by Jim Vail.

Lighting DecodersBrighten up your layout by adding interior lighting to our Long Caboose and Passenger Coaches. Our Lighting Decoders make this an easy upgrade and work with either DC or DCC-controlled layouts! No-Flicker lighting stays on even after the car is stopped.

Blackstone Models offers a variety of accessory items designed to enhance your

modeling experience. Please see the current price list for ordering information.